Astros: More International Rumors

The international market has been kind to the Astros this year.

Per a report from MLB Pipeline, the Astros are reportedly interested in Cuban third baseman Yanio Perez. This feels like the same song, second chorus, right?

Of course, this rumor comes on the heels of the Astros signing fellow Cuban infielders Yulieski Gourriel and Anibel Sierra in the past ten or so days. But there is clearly something the Astros like about Cuban infielders right now.

This shouldn’t be surprising news, though. The Astros are going all-in on this international class since they are well over the penalty limit. Essentially the organization will be paying a 100% overage tax on future international players they sign during the current period. And the team faces restrictions on spending for the next two international signing periods.

So who exactly are the Astros interested this time?

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

• Just how much better is the Houston Astros playoff rotation than the rest?
• Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
• Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
• Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
• Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer

Perez is another interesting international prospect. He recently left Cuba in 2015. Though he is only 20-years old, MLB Pipeline describes Perez as someone who “nobody questions his raw power and developing bat tool.” Perez has a 6’5″ frame weighing in at 205 pounds so you can see where he is getting his power from at this age. He has also been noted for “his makeup and maturity.”

MLB Pipeline also grades out Perez to have a 65 Power tool and a 55 Run tool. All of his other tools grade out at 50. And he is ranked one spot higher (10th) than Freudis Nova (11th), an Astros signee, on MLB Pipeline’s rankings.

There are concerns, though. Perez and his athletic ability have been questioned. And there has been doubting cast on whether he can handle third base.

Acquiring Perez’s talent, however, may be an issue. Per the report from MLB Pipeline, the Astros face competition from the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, and Colorado Rockies for Perez’s services.

This can’t be all too surprising as most of the Cuban players the Astros just recently signed were being courted by multiple teams. Who knows, maybe the Astros recent splurge in the Cuban player market will entice Perez to sign with Houston.